CAPF FAQs

Updated Sat, 03 Oct 2020 03:04 PM IST

CAPF, Central Armed Police Forces is an authority that looks after the National Security of India. CAPF Exam is a portal to enter the different forces under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. CAPF combat different nefarious groups like naxalites, insurgents and terrorists. It is a job of responsibility, devotion and dedication.

The candidates who qualify the CAPF exam are selected for different forces as a Assistant Commandant, who is a Gazetted Officer. Depending on the forces candidates are stationed either on the borders or inside the borders for various security purposes. The job offers good career progression, a candidate can reach to the posts of Deputy Inspector General and Inspector General. Surely the competition is not easy as around 2 lakh candidates apply for the exam every year. You need to be focused and passionate in order clear the exam.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for CAPF Exam 2020

What is CAPF Exam and who conducts it?

CAPF, Central Armed Police Force exam is a competitive paper conducted annually by UPSC ( Union Public Service Commission) to recruit candidates in various security forces of India. The selected candidates join the forces as a Assistant Commandant, AC.

What are the eligibility requirements for CAPF Exam?

  • Candidate must be a citizen of India.
  • Age should be between 20-25 years. There is some relaxation based on the categories, 5 years of relaxation is given to SC/ST categories whereas 3 years to OBC.
  • Candidate must be a graduate.

Who all recruit through CAPF Exam?

There are seven security forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs that recruit through CAPF Exam:

  • Border Security Force
  • Central Reserve Police Force
  • Central Industrial Security Force
  • National Security Guard
  • Indo-Tibetan Border Police
  • Sashastra Seema Bal
  • Assam Rifles

How can one register for CAPF Exam?

Registration for CAPF Exam is done online. Candidates need to visit the official website of UPSC to find the link of registration form and other necessary details.

Is there any provision for correction in the application/registration form in case of a fault?

Candidates need to fill the registration form with utmost care as there is no provision for correction once the form is submitted.

Does CAPF Exam allow women candidates?

Yes, women too can apply for CAPF Exam although there are different fitness criteria for them.

Is there any application fee? If yes, are there any exceptions?

Yes, there is an application fee of ₹200. Candidates who come under the categories of SC/ST and women are exempted from the application fee.

How many attempts can an individual take in CAPF Exam?

As for now there is no limitation to the number of attempts as long as the candidate fulfils the age and other criteria.

What is the paper pattern for CAPF Exam?

CAPF Exam is conducted offline and it involves three stages:

  • Written Paper

Paper I includes General and Mental Ability, it is for 250 marks and the time duration for this section is 2 hours.

Paper II includes General studies, Essay and Comprehension, it is for 200 marks and the time duration for this section is 3 hours.

  • Physical Test

100 meters race – Time limit for men and women are 16 seconds and 18 seconds respectively.

800 meters race – Time limit for men and women are 3 minutes 45 seconds and 4 minutes 45 seconds respectively.

Long jump – Qualifying distance for men and women are 3.5 meters and 3 meters respectively.

Shot put – Qualifying distance for men is 4.5 meters.

  • Interview
This round is for 150 marks.

Does CAPF Exam include negative marking?

Yes, there is a provision of penalty in case of wrong answers but it is applicable only on Paper I.

What syllabus is prescribed for CAPF Exam?

Paper I

  • General Ability – Analogies, Arrangements, Syllogism, Spatial Orientation, Space visualization, Arithmetical Reasoning, Number Series, Coding and Decoding, etc.
  • Mental Ability – General Mental Ability, Current Events of National and International importance, General Science, Indian Polity and economy, History and Geography.

Paper II

  • General Studies – Current Affairs of National and international importance, History, Geography, Cultural Heritage, General Science, Polity, Economics, Science and technology, etc.
  • English language – Comprehension, essay writing, report writing, counter argument, language and communication skills, grammar, vocabulary, etc.

What salary does a CAPF qualifier is supposed to get in his/her job?

The average salary of a person qualifying CAPF is around ₹50,000. Which is definitely a good start.

How many times does UPSC hold the CAPF exam?

UPSC holds CAPF exam once every year. The final exam process of CAPF takes more than one year to complete.

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